Comparative evaluation of laser biostimulation as an adjunct to NSPT and ITS effects on AST levels in the management of chronic periodontitis: A randomized controlled trial

Aim: Clinical evaluation of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) with and without laser biostimulation as an adjunctive to non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT). Materials and Methods: This is a split-mouth randomized trial. Ten patients (20 sites) were diagnosed with chronic periodontitis as per the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) classification (1999), and radiographic evidence of horizontal bone loss was provided. Scaling and root planning (SRP) was performed in both the test groups. One of the test groups was treated with low-level laser therapy (LLLT) along with SRP and another with only SRP. GCF collection was done at baseline, during the third and sixth months by using microcapillary tubes for the estimation of AST. Quantification of AST was done by a Semi-automated Clinical Chemistry Analyzer. The data were subjected to statistical analysis by an independent t-test, Kruskal–Wallis test, Mann–Whitney U test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and post hoc pairwise comparison. Results: The results revealed a statistically significant reduction in pocket probing depth (PPD) (P < 0.001) and relative attachment gain (P < 0.001) at the test sites when compared from baseline till six months. Similarly, there was a statistically significant reduction in AST levels in GCF at the sites treated with laser biostimulation along with NSPT (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Laser biostimulation along with NSPT has shown propitious results as per clinical and biochemical marker analysis and evaluation.